Asdrubal: The Other Cabrera

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(Week 19 - Award Winners)

The Chicago Nine's shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera showed that he doesn't have to be named Miguel or even Melky to get things done, as he compiled a productive week for Chicago. Chicago had a productive week by many of it's hitters this week, but Asdrubal comes out on top (edging Carlos Gomez) for A.L. Player of the Week. Asdrubal batted 6-for-14, showing some power with 3 HR's, 8 RBI, while scoring 5 runs.

The A.L. Pitcher of the Week goes to the Bronx Bombers' C.C. Sabathia, who is no stranger to the award, winning the award in the league's first week of the season. C.C. pitched a 4-hit shutout that included 9 strikeouts against the tough Portland Microbrewers. C.C. was not the only Bomber to pitch a shutout for the week, as Adam Wainwright had a shutout against the Seattle Rainiers.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• SS- Cesar Izturis (BOS) - 4-for-10 (.400), 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 runs [2 solo HR's].
• SP- Brandon McCarthy (BOS) - W, 11.2 IP, 14 H, 2 ER (3 R) (1.54 ERA), 3 K/2 BB.
• OF- Ichiro Suzuki (BOS) - 8-for-26 (.308), HR, 2 RBI, SB.
• SP- Mark Buehrle (BRX) - W, 9 IP (CG), 6 H, 4 ER, 10 K & 3 BB.
• SP- Josh Johnson (BRX) - W, 9 IP (CG), 0 ER (3 R), 10 K & 5 BB.
• OF - Angel Pagan (BRX) - 9-for-26 (.346), HR, 3 RBI, 6 runs, SB.
• SS- Hanley Ramirez (BRX) - 6-for-26 (.231), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 runs.
• SP - Adam Wainwright (BRX) - W, 9 IP (CG, SHO), 9 H, 4 K & 3 BB.
• 3B- Miguel Cabrera (BUF) - 6-for-16 (.353), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 runs & SB.
• 1B - Adrian Gonzalez (BUF) - 8-for-20 (.400), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 runs & SB.
• 1B - Albert Pujols (CAR) - 9-for-22 (.409), 4 RBI, 2 runs & 2 SB's.
• SP - Justin Verlander (CAR) - ND, 7.1 IP, 5 H, ER, 4 K & BB.
• SP - Jered Weaver (CAR) - W, 7.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 6 K & BB.
• OF - Carlos Gomez (CHI) - 8-for-23 (.348), HR, 7 RBI, 6 runs & 4 steals.
• SP - Felix Hernandez (CHI) - W, 9 IP, 4 H, ER, 10 K & 2 BB.
• OF - Desmond Jennings (CHI) - 7-for-15 (.467), 2 RBI, 6 runs & 3 SB.
• 3B - Trevor Plouffe (CHI) - 6-for-21 (.286), 2 HR, 5 RBI & 5 runs.
• 1B - Paul Goldschmidt (FAIR) - 8-for-22 (.364), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 runs & 2 SB.
• OF - Jason Heyward (FAIR) - 6-for-20 (.300), HR, 4 RBI, 4 runs & 3 SB.
• OF - Melky Cabrera (S.S.) - 5-for-13 (.385), HR, 4 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP - Scott Diamond (S.S.) - W, 9 IP (CG), 7 H, 3 ER, 9 K & 5 BB.
• SS - J.J. Hardy (S.S.) - 6-for-20 (.300), 2 HR, 4 RBI & 4 runs.
• C/1B- Joe Mauer (S.S.) - 9-for-19 (.474), 3 RBI & 7 runs.
• 2B- Ben Zobrist (S.S.) - 8-for-20 (.400), HR, 4 RBI & 3 runs.
• SS - Ian Desmond (WAS) - 7-for-25 (.280), 3 RBI, 2 runs, SB.
• SP - Trevor Cahill (WAS) - ND, 8 IP, 9 H, ER, 4 K & 2 BB.

Gettin' Miggy Wit It

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(Week 18 - Award Winners)

Miggy Cabrera strikes again! The Buffalo Yankees' superstar batted .409 (9-for-22) for the week, smacking 3 home runs, 8 ribbies, while scoring 4 runs -- helping Buffalo, along with the good pitching, win four games. Cabrera is this week's A.L. Player of the Week.

Andy Pettitte is no stranger as well, winning the A.L. Pitcher of the Week, back in Week 7. Pettitte pitched a complete game victory for the Imps against the Seattle Rainiers, allowing only four hits, an earned run, and two walks -- while striking out 6 batters.

A.L. Honorable Mention

• 2B- Omar Infante (BOS) - 8-for-24 (.333), 3 RBI, 3 runs & 2 steals.
• 3B - Chris Johnson (BOS) - 5-for-15 (.333), HR, 5 RBI, 2 runs.
• SP- Brandon McCarthy (BOS) - ND, 6.1 IP, 5 H, ER (2 R), 4 K & 2 BB.
• C- Matt Wieters (BOS) - 9-for-19 (.474), HR, 4 RBI, 3 runs.
• 2B- Robinson Cano (BRX) - 11/24 (.458), HR, 4 RBI, 4 runs, SB.
• SP- Josh Johnson (BRX) - L, 8 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 7 K & 2 BB.
• 2B- Danny Espinosa (BUF) - 7-for-17 (.412), HR, 6 RBI, 4 runs, SB.
• 1B- Adrian Gonzalez (BUF) - 7-for-20 (.350), 5 RBI
• RP- Tom Wilhelmsen (BUF) - 3 SV, 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 5 K.
• SP- Wade Miley (BUF) - ND, 7.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 K & 3 BB.
• SP- Ricky Nolasco (BUF) - ND, 7.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 5 K.
• SP- Matt Cain (CAR) - W, 9 IP (CG), 7 H, 2 ER, 7 K & 3 BB.
• C- Ryan Doumit (CAR) - 7-for-22 (.318), HR, 3 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP- Yovani Gallardo (CAR) - L, 8 IP (CG), 8 H, 3 ER, 10 K & BB.
• 1B- Albert Pujols (CAR) - 8-for-26 (.308), HR, 5 RBI & 3 runs.
• SP- Jered Weaver (CAR) - ND, 9 IP, 5 H, ER, 8 K & 3 BB.
• OF- Carlos Gomez (CHI) - 8-for-22 (.364), HR, 3 RBI, 3 runs, 2 SB.
• 2B- Ian Kinsler (CHI) - 7-for-19 (.368), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 3 runs.
• 3B- Trevor Plouffe (CHI) - 7-for-20 (.350), 3 HR, 3 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP- Madison Bumgarner (FAIR) - W, 7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER (3 R), 7 K.
• RP- Robbie Ross (FAIR) - 2 SV, 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 4 K.
• SP- Ryan Vogelsong (FAIR) - W, 8.1 IP, 8 H, 0 ER, 7 K, BB.
• SP- Scott Diamond (S.S.) - W, 7 IP, 2 H, ER, K, 2 BB (Improves to 9-3, 2.90 ERA).
• SP- Doug Fister (S.S.) - ND, 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 7 K & 2 BB.
• 1B - Joey Votto (S.S.) - 7-for-18 (.389), HR, 3 RBI, 3 runs.
• SS- Ian Desmond (WAS) - 7-for-23 (.304), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 3 runs & 2 SB.
• SP- Kyle Lohse (WAS) - 8 IP, 5 H, ER (2 R), 5 K, 2 BB.

Alex the Great

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(Week 17 - Award Winners)

The Boston Bravos have been making it a good run of it as of late, and that's thanks to bats such as Alex Gordon heating up. The Bravos are 29-4 in their last 33 games, which including a league-record 15-game winning-streak.

Gordon wins this week's A.L. Player of the Week Award with his performance this week against the Washington Filibusters; Batting .381 (8-for-21), 4 HR, 12 RBI, 7 runs, 2 doubles & 2 BB's -- an OPS of 1.482 (1.047 Slugging pct) for the Bravos. It's also the second week in a row, where a Bravo won the Player of the Week Award (New acquisition Chris Johnson won last week).

For A.L. Pitcher of the Week, this week's award goes to Ryan Vogelsong of the Fairgrove Tigers. Vogelsong won both of his starts, pitching 14 innings & only allowing an earned run (0.64 ERA for the week), while collecting 7 K's & walking two. He improved his record to 12-5, with a 3.24 ERA.

N.L. Honorable Mention:

• P- Matt Belisle (BOS) - An emergency start of 8 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER's allowed , with 5 K's & BB.
• SP- R.A. Dickey (BOS) - W, 6 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, with 5 K's & BB (Game called/Rain).
• 3B- Jordan Pacheco (BOS) - 5-for-12 (.417), HR, 4 RBI & 4 runs.
• SP- Josh Johnson (BRX) - ND, 7.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 K & 3 BB.
• OF- David Murphy (BRX) - 7-for-21 (.333), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 runs.
• 3B- Miguel Cabrera (BUF) - 8-for-20 (.400), 3 HR, 8 RBI, 4 runs.
• SP- Ross Detwiler (BUF) - W, 8 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 K & 3 BB.
• 1B- Adrian Gonzalez (BUF) - 7-for-20 (.350), HR, 2 RBI, run.
• OF- Michael Bourn (CAR) - 8-for-18 (.444), HR, 7 RBI, 3 runs & 3 steals.
• SP- Clay Buchholz (CAR) - W, 7.1 IP, 8 H, ER, 4 K & BB.
• SP- Matt Cain (CAR) - ND, 8 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 K & 3 BB.
• 1B- Albert Pujols (CAR) - 10-for-23 (.435), 2 HR, 7 RBI, 4 runs, SB.
• SS- Jose Reyes (CAR) - 11-for-28 (.393), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 runs & 6 SB's.
• SP- Justin Verlander (CAR) - W, 8 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 7 K & 2 BB (9-7, 2.43 ERA).
• P- Danny Duffy (CHI) - L, 8 IP (2 games - long relief), 5 H, 0 ER (2 R), 8 K & 4 BB.
• OF- Dexter Fowler (CHI) - 7-for-19 (.368), RBI, 3 runs.
• SS- Elvis Andrus (FAIR) - 7-for-25 (.280), 4 RBI, 3 runs, SB.
• SP- Madison Bumgarner (FAIR) - W, 8 IP, 8 H, ER, 11 K/0 BB. Now 11-4, with 2.77 ERA.
• OF- Jason Heyward (FAIR) - 11-for-23 (.478), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 5 runs, SB.
• C- Salvador Perez (FAIR) - 7-for-17 (.412), HR, 2 RBI, 2 runs.
• SP- Tommy Milone (S.S.) - 2 W, 14 IP, 15 H, 3 ER (1.93 ERA), 14 K/BB (11-5, 2.88 ERA).
• 3B- David Wright (S.S.) - 10-for-24 (.417), 2 HR, 3 RBI & 4 runs.
• OF- Carlos Beltran (WAS) - 9-for-21 (.429), 2 HR, 3 RBI & 5 runs.
• SS- Jonathan Herrera (WAS) - 3-for-10 (.333), 2 HR, 5 RBI & 2 runs.
• SP- Zack Greinke (WAS) - W, 8 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 8 K. Improves to 14-7, with 3.15 ERA.

Zimmermann Dominates for Buffalo

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(Week 16 - Award Winners)

Jordan Zimmermann has now improved to 9-7 with a 2.57 ERA for the season, pretty solid for a guy who is on a 41-52 ballclub. He has been one consistent factor for the Buffalo Yankees this season, and has finally started to put together a string of wins, after a lot of bad luck early on in the season. Zimmermann went on to win this week's A.L. Pitcher of the Week Award with two solid performances for the week. He pitched a three-hit shutout against the Holland Hitchhikers, and then followed that up with one earned run allowed to the Traverse City Tigers for a 7-inning outing. His totals: 2 wins (a shutout), ER in 16 innings (0.56 ERA), with 21 K's & 4 walks allowed.

Chris Johnson made a little history this week for the Boys of Summer League. He became the first player to win the Player of the Week Award in each league. He won N.L. Player of the Week during the first week of the league's inaugural season, and now has won a A.L. Player of the Week Award to go with it. Just like in Week 1, it was close. I gave Johnson the edge over the Chicago Nine's Trevor Plouffe, for a couple reasons, he helped Boston keep it's recent tear going (helping them win 5 games this week), while Johnson scored more runs, stole a base, and was also drawing a few walks as well. Johnson went 7-for-19 (.368), with 3 HR's, 7 RBI, 8 runs, and a steal.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• OF- Ichiro Suzuki (BOS) - 9-for-21 (.429), 2 HR, 7 RBI, 3 runs & SB.
• SP- Dan Haren (BOS) - W, 8 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 9 K & BB.
• SP- Edwin Jackson (BOS) - W, 6.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 K & 2 BB.
• OF- David Murphy (BRX) - 8-for-21 (.381), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 runs, 2 SB.
• 1B- Mark Teixeira (BRX) - 9-for-21 (.429), 3 HR, 7 RBI, 4 runs, 2 SB.
• SP- Adam Wainwright (BRX) - ND, 7 IP, 10 H, 2 ER, 8 K & BB.
• 3B- Miguel Cabrera (BUF) - 7-for-21 (.333), 2 HR, 4 RBI & 4 runs.
• 1B- Adrian Gonzalez (BUF) - 11-for-24 (.458), 3 RBI, 2 runs (3 doubles).
• SP- Wade Miley (BUF) - L, 8.2 IP, 3 H, ER, 5 K.
• SP- Clay Buchholz (CAR) - 9 IP, ND, 6 H, 0 ER, 9 K, BB (in extra-inning game).
• SP- Matt Cain (CAR) - W, 9 IP (CG), 5 H, ER, 5 K, BB.
• IF- Alberto Callaspo (CAR) - 6-for-16 (.365), HR, 3 RBI, 4 runs, SB.
• C- Brian McCann (CAR) - 7-for-17 (.412), HR, 2 RBI, 4 runs.
• SP- Justin Verlander (CAR) - W, 8.2 IP, 2 ER, 9 K, 3 BB.
• OF- Carlos Gonzalez (CHI) - 9-for-21 (.429), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 runs, SB.
• SP- Felix Hernandez (CHI) - W, 9 IP (CG), 3 ER (4 R), 10 K & 2 BB.
• OF- Desmond Jennings (CHI) - 8-for-19 (.421), HR, 4 RBI, 5 runs, SB.
• 2B- Ian Kinsler (CHI) - 7-for-26 (.269), 2 HR, 6 RBI & 5 runs.
• 3B- Trevor Plouffe (CHI) - 8-for-20 (.400), 4 HR, 8 RBI, 4 runs (including Grand Slam).
• OF- Jason Heyward (FAIR) - 9-for-21 (.429), 2 HR, 5 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP- Mat Latos (FAIR) - 8 IP, 6 H, 0 ER (1 R), 9 K & 2 BB.
• SP- Kevin Correia  (S.S.) - 1 start/relief, 2 W, 9.1 IP, 7 H, ER, 7 K, 2 BB.
• SP- Dillon Gee (S.S.) - L/ND, 13.2 IP, 16 H, 3 ER (1.98), 6 K & BB.
• SS- J.J. Hardy (S.S.) - 8-for-23 (.348), 3 HR, 8 RBI & 4 runs.
• OF- Matt Holliday (S.S.) - 8-for-23 (.348), 2 HR, 5 RBI & 7 runs.
• SP- Jake Peavy (S.S.) - W, 8 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 7 K, BB.
• SP- Andy Pettitte (S.S.) - W, 6 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 6 K, BB.
• OF- Andy Dirks (WAS) - 9-for-24 (.375), HR, 2 RBI, 2 runs.
• SP- Zack Greinke (WAS) - 9 IP, one-hit SHO, 8 K's & BB.
• SP- Kyle Lohse (WAS) - L, CG (10-4, 2.73). 2 games: 10 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 K, BB.

Deja Vu

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(Week 15 - Award Winners)

This week in the American League may come up as deja vu for many, and probably for good reason as the winners of Week 6 - Paul Goldschmidt (Fairgrove Tigers) and Justin Verlander (Carolina Eagles) are this week's winners for A.L. Player & A.L. Pitcher of the Week Awards.

Goldschmidt went 11-for-22 (.500) while hitting a pair of HR's, 8 RBI, 6 runs & a steal for the Tigers, while Verlander went 14.2 innings, allowing only 4 ER's on 10 hits, with 21 K's & a walk -- which included a victory. Verlander improved to 7-7 with a 2.40 ERA for the season.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• SS- Ruben Tejada (BOS) - 11-for-18 (.611), 4 RBI, 5 runs & a steal.
• 3B- Chris Johnson (BOS) - Recently acquired Bravo: 9-for-24 (.375), HR, 5 RBI & 5 runs.
• OF- Alex Gordon (BOS) - 10-for-25 (.400), 6 RBI, 6 runs & a steal.
• SP- Johnny Cueto (BOS) - W (9-6, 3.41 ERA/Season), 6 IP, 6 H, ER, 7 K & 2 BB.
• SP- R.A. Dickey (BOS) - 2 W, 15 IP, 13 H, 7 ER, 24 K's & 3 BB.
• C- Carlos Santana (BRX) - 9-for-21 (.429), 2 HR, 4 RBI & 7 runs.
• SP- Mark Buehrle (BRX) - W, 9 IP (CG), 7 H, 3 ER, 8 K & BB.
• SP- C.C. Sabathia (BRX) - W, SHO in start + relief outing (BS): 9.2 IP, 6 H, ER, 9 K, 2 BB.
• 1B- Adrian Gonzalez (BUF) - 11-for-25 (.444), HR, 4 RBI & 4 runs.
• 3B- Miguel Cabrera (BUF) - 8-for-24 (.333), 3 HR, 4 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP- Ross Detwiler (BUF) - W, 6 IP, 5 H, ER, 5 K & BB.
• SP- Paul Maholm (BUF) - 8 IP, ND, 3 H, 0 ER, 7 K & 4 BB.
• SP- Clay Buchholz (CAR) - 8 IP, ND, 4 H, ER, 5 K & BB.
• SP- Yovani Gallardo (CAR) - W (10th), 6.2 IP, 2 ER, 8 K & 2 BB.
• 2B- Ian Kinsler (CHI) - 11-for-24 (.458), HR, 2 RBI, 3 runs & SB.
• OF- Dexter Fowler (CHI) - 9-for-26 (.346), HR, 5 RBI, 5 runs & SB.
• OF- Cameron Maybin (CHI) - 6-for-13 (.462), HR, 4 RBI, 2 runs & a steal.
• SP- Kris Medlen (CHI) - L, 8 IP, ER, 7 K & BB.
• SP- Garrett Richards (CHI) - W, 8 IP, 4 H, ER, 3 K & BB.
• SP- Carlos Villanueva (CHI) - W, 7 IP, 10 H, 2 ER & 9 K's.
• 1B- Joey Votto (S.S.) - 8-for-20 (.400), 6 RBI & 2 runs.
• SP- Dillon Gee (S.S.) - Start + relief: 8.1 IP, ER, 3 H, 7 K & 2 BB.
• SP- Tommy Milone (S.S.) - 9 IP, SHO, W, 4 H, 6 K & BB.
• SP- Zack Greinke (WAS) - W, 8.2 IP, 5 H, ER & 11 K's.
• SP- Kyle Lohse (WAS) - W (SHO), 16 IP, 11 H, 3 ER, 5 K & 3 BB.

The Substitute Effect

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(Week 11 - Award Winners)

The Bronx Bombers' star first baseman Mark Teixeira got injured early in the week, so the Bombers called on their veteran backup Michael Young, who stepped in and did more than his job, he passed the week with flying colors. Late in Young's MLB career, he played wherever his team needed him, the Bombers played him at first.

Young batted 12-for-23 (.522), 2 HR, 8 RBI & 7 runs -- to be named this week's A.L. Player of the Week. He helped the Bronx to a 5-1 record during this stretch as well.

Jeff Samardzija only had one outing, but it was a good enough outing to earn this weeks honors for A.L. Pitcher of the Week -- despite going against another pitcher who won two games, one of those two wins being no hits allowed in 8 innings of work. The Chicago Nine's Samardzija pitched 10 innings in his outing, allowing 6 hits, no ER's (1 run), while striking out 11 batters, walking one.

Samardzija also became the first A.L. pitcher to win the weekly award twice, the N.L.'s David Price was the first pitcher in the entire league to do so.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• SP-Jordan Zimmermann (BUF) - Leaves game with no-hitter in tact after 8 innings; total stats for the week - 2 wins, 15 IP, 9 hits, 4 ER, 6 K's & 3 BB's for 2.40 ERA.
• SP-Johnny Cueto (BOS) - W/L, 16.1 IP (CG), 12 H, 5 ER, 15 K & 3 BB with 2.76 ERA.
• SP-Justin Verlander (CAR) - 3-hit shutout with 10 K's & BB.
• IF-Jeff Keppinger (S.S.) - .455 (10-for-22), 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 runs (Grand Slam in 2nd game).
• SP-Zack Greinke (WAS) - No-hitter bid broken up 6.2 innings into his 8 IP, 4 H, 10 K, no run performance against the Panthers -- Jason Bartlett's double broke up bid.
• 3B-Kyle Seager (BRX) - .500 (10-for-20), 5 RBI & 7 runs.
• SP-Mark Buehrle (BRX) - W, 14.2 IP, 14 H, 2 ER (7 runs), 12 K & BB (1.23 ERA for week).
• DH/1B-Nick Swisher (CHI) 8-for-22 (.364), 2 HR, 10 RBI & 5 runs.
• 1B-Miguel Cabrera (BUF) - .375 (9-for-24), 4 HR, 6 RBI, 5 runs, 3 doubles & 2 BB.
• SP-Clay Buchholz (CAR) - 5-hit SHO, 5 K's & BB.
• SP-Mat Latos (FAIR) - L, 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 8 K's & BB.
• 2B-Robinson Cano (BRX) - .292 (7-for-24), 2 HR, 6 RBI & 4 runs.
• SS-Ruben Tejada (BOS) - 8-for-19 (.421), 4 RBI & 2 runs.
• 1B-Paul Konerko (WAS) - .409 (9-for-22), 3 runs.
• SP-Doug Fister (S.S.) - W, 8.1 IP, 6 H, 0 ER with 4 K's.
• SP-Chris Capuano (BOS) - ND, 9 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 6 K & 2 BB.
• OF-Carlos Gonzalez (CHI) - .385 (10-for-26), RBI, 7 runs, 3 doubles & 2 steals.
• OF-Rajai Davis (BUF) - .563 (9-for-16), 4 RBI, 3 runs, SB.
• OF-Melky Cabrera (S.S.) - .412 (7-for-17), 2 HR, 4 RBI & 3 runs.
• 2B-Dan Uggla (BOS) - .438 (7-for-16), HR, 2 RBI & 6 runs.
• SP-Madison Bumgarner (FAIR) - ND, 6.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 8 K's & BB.
• OF-Alex Gordon (BOS) - .308 (8-for-26), 4 RBI & 3 runs.

Rollin' Rolen

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(Week 10 - Award Winners)

Some of the following nominations for American League Player of the Week, would have probably won the award for any other weeks in the past....

• OF/DH-Raul Ibanez (BRX) - The old man went 10-for-26 (.385) with 4 home runs, 7 ribbies, while scoring four times for the Bombers.

• 1B-Albert Pujols (CAR) - Leads Carolina this week to a 6-0 record, while the team outscored their opponents (Traverse City, Holland) 55-16, while allowing only 34 hits. Pujols, batted 10-for-29 (.345), 4 HR, 10 RBI with 8 runs.

• 1B/DH-Paul Konerko (WAS) - 12-for-23 (.522), HR, 5 RBI with 4 runs.

• DH-Adam Dunn (CAR) was one of 4 players this week that had at least 4 HR's during the week -- the only thing Dunn only had a .259 average (7 hits), with 5 RBI & 6 runs -- basically, all coming from his HR production.

• Quite a few hitters that had over 10 hits during the week as well.

So with many players to choose from, this week's A.L. Player of the Week Award goes to the veteran third baseman Scott Rolen, who was playing like Rolen circa late 90's. Scott batted .471 (8-for-17) with... ready for this? 5 HR's, 12 RBI & 5 runs (one of his HR's was a Grand Slam). All pretty remarkable, helping the Chicago Nine to a 5-1 record during this stretch.

This week's A.L. Pitcher of the Week goes to Jered Weaver of the Carolina Eagles. Weaver allowed only two hits, no runs in 8 innings, in their 4-1 victory over Traverse City. Weaver also struck out 12 Panthers, allowing 3 free passes.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• OF-Matt Holliday (S.S.) - 7-for-18 (.389), HR, 5 RBI & 3 runs.
• SP-Drew Smyly (CHI) - W, 9 IP, 7 H, ER, 11 K's & 2 BB.
• OF-Roger Bernadina (CAR) - 9-for-21 (.429), HR, 11 RBI, 6 runs.
• IF-Jeff Keppinger (S.S.) - 8-for-22 (.364), HR, 7 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP-Kyle Lohse (WAS) - W, 16 IP, 10 H, 3 ER (1.69 ERA), 10 K & 4 BB; improves record to   8-2, with 2.80 ERA.
• SP-Mark Buehrle (BRX) - ND, 10 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 7 K & 3 BB.
• SP-Ryan Vogelsong (FAIR) - W/L, 15 IP, 16 H, 4 ER (2.40 ERA), 10 K & 3 BB; improves record to 7-3, 3.21 ERA.
• SS-Elvis Andrus (FAIR) - 10-for-26 (.385), 5 RBI, 2 runs & a steal.
• SP-Johnny Cueto (BOS) - W, 8 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 5 K & 3 BB.
• C-Carlos Santana (BRX) - 7-for-20 (.350), 3 HR, 3 RBI & 6 runs.
• OF-Rajai Davis (BUF) - 7-for-21 (.333), RBI, 6 runs & 4 SB's (all four steals happened in a single-game against Traverse City).
• SP-Eric Stults (WAS) - W, 8 IP, 5 H, ER, 3 K & BB.
• OF-Juan Pierre (CAR) - 10-for-21 (.476), 2 RBI, 4 runs & 3 steals.
• SP-Tommy Milone (S.S.) - W, 7.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 6 K & 2 BB; improves to 6-3, 2.72 ERA.
• 3B-David Wright (S.S.) - 8-for-19 (.421), HR, 2 RBI & 4 runs.
• SP-Jordan Zimmermann (BUF) - W, 8 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 6 K & 2 BB.
• SP-R.A. Dickey (BOS) - W, 15 IP, 10 H, 6 ER (3.60 ERA), 15 K & 5 BB.
• SP-Ian Kennedy (BUF) - L (loses 1-0 vs T.C.), 8 IP, 7 H, ER, with 7 K's & 2 BB's (falls to 0-6, with a 7.07 ERA for the season).

Gold Rush!

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(Week 9 - Award Winners)

Paul Goldschmidt of the Fairgrove Tigers becomes the first player in either leagues to win the weekly award, Urbana's David Price (for the National League) was the first pitcher to do it. Goldschmidt put together a monster week, a week which the Fairgrove Tigers took all 6 games from their two opponents, (Traverse City & Holland - both neighboring Michigan teams) in interleague action.

Goldschmidt batted .391 (9-for-23) with 2 HR's & 9 RBI, while crossing the plate 7 times, collecting 7 doubles, and drawing 6 free passes. He is this week's A.L. Player of the Week.

The pitching was incredibly close this week, but this week's award for A.L. Pitcher of the Week goes to Shaun Marcum of the Bronx Bombers. Marcum pitched a two-hit shutout against the Portland Microbrewers, with 7 strike outs, as the Bombers won the game, 7-0.

A.L. Honorable Mention: 

• 2B/OF-Ben Zobrist (S.S.) - .375 (9-for-24), 3 HR, 7 RBI & 7 runs.
• SP-Kyle Lohse (WAS) - SHO (7-2, 3.01 ERA), 5 H, plus 7 K's.
• SP-Mat Latos (FAIR) - W, 9 IP, 5 H, ER, 9 K's -- Improves to 5-3 with 2.64 ERA.
• SP-Jeff Samardzija (CHI) - W, 8 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 12 K/3 BB's.
• SP-Kris Medlen (CHI) - W, 7 IP, 0 ER, 7 K/2 BB's -- 6-1 record w/league-leading 1.48 ERA.
• OF-Matt Holliday (S.S.) - .292 (7-for-24), 4 HR's, 6 RBI & 7 runs.
• OF-Ben Revere (WAS) - .360 (9-for-25), 2 RBI, 5 runs & 5 stolen bases.
• OF-David Murphy (BRX) - .409 (9-for-22), HR, 6 RBI, run & SB.
• SP-Adam Wainwright (BRX) - SHO, 7 H & BB allowed, plus 9 K's.
• OF-Jason Heyward (FAIR) - .360 (9-for-25), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 5 runs & 2 SB's.
• SP-Jordan Zimmermann (BUF) - W, 9 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 11 K/3 BB -- 2-5 record with 2.59 ERA.
• OF-Andre Ethier (FAIR) - .357 (10-for-28), 6 runs, RBI, SB.
• SP-Edwin Jackson (BOS) - W, 8.1 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 6 K & 2 BB.
• SP-James Shields (BRX) - W, 9 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 13 K/1 BB.
• OF-Corey Hart (BOS) - .263 (5-for-19), 3 HR, 8 RBI & 4 runs.
• SP-Wandy Rodriguez (BUF) - 13.1 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 11 K's with 4 BB's (Loss & No Decision).
• SP-R.A. Dickey (BOS) - L, 8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER with 7 K's -- falls to 3-6, yet has a 2.90 ERA.
• SP-Kevin Correia (S.S.) - W, 8 IP, 6 H, ER, 1 K.
• SP-Wade Miley (BUF) - W, 8.1 IP, 5 H, 0 ER with 4 K's.

Jake the Snake

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(Week 8 - Award Winners)

Just like every week, it can be too close to call, but not too many starters pitched twice -- and this one took advantage of both opportunities, Jake Peavy (South Shore) slithers away this week the A.L. Pitcher of the Week Award with 2 victories in 16 innings of work, 4 ER's allowed (2.25 ERA for the week) with 13 strikeouts & 5 walks allowed. Peavy improves to 6-4 with a 3.05 ERA.

The Fairgrove Tigers' Salvador Perez wins the A.L. Player of the Week with his strong performance of 3 home runs, 7 RBI & 4 runs, while batting .435 (10-for-23), doing his best to keep the Tigers in first place.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• SP-Tommy Milone (S.S.) - SHO, 3 H & BB allowed, 5 K's -- improves to 5-3, 3.09 ERA.
• SP-Johnny Cueto (BOS) - Loss & ND, 14.1 IP, 8 H, 2 ER's (1.26 ERA) with 8 K's & 4 BB's.
• 2B-Robinson Cano (BRX) - .391 (9-for-23), HR, 5 RBI, 3 runs & SB.
• SS-Starlin Castro (BUF) - .367 (11-for-30), HR, 5 RBI & 10 runs.
• OF-Shane Victorino (BOS) - .304 (7-for-23), HR, 4 RBI, 5 runs & 3 SB's.
• 3B-Kyle Seager (BRX) - .368 (7-for-19), 2 HR, 7 RBI & 6 runs.
• SP-Garrett Richards (CHI) - SHO, 4 hits & walk allowed, with 7 K's -- plus one scoreless relief inning with 1 K); total of 10 scoreless innings.
• SP-Kris Medlen (CHI) - W, 9 IP, 6 H, ER, 9 K's/0 BB's.
• SP-James Shields (BRX) - 8 IP, 3 H, ER, 10 K's.
• OF-Rajai Davis (BUF) - .320 (8-for-25), 6 RBI & 2 euns.
• SP-Josh Johnson (BRX) - 8 IP, 5 H, ER, 4 K's/3 BB's.
• SS-Jose Reyes (CAR) - .370 (10-for-27), 4 RBI, 5 runs & 2 steals.
• OF-B.J. Upton (CAR) - .318 (7-for-22), HR, 5 RBI, 6 runs & 2 SB's.
• 1B-Adrian Gonzalez (BUF) - .467 (14-for-30), HR, 6 RBI & 3 runs.

Big Week for Trumbo

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(Week 7 - Award Winners)

The American League was packed with offense this week, which probably led to the close competition with the pitching, with no real player standing out of that bunch. South Shore's offense was clicking as always with Joe Mauer usually in the middle of it, but he was not the best Imp player for the week -- that would be Shin-Soo Choo, who had a big week of .435 AVG (10-for-23), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 runs & a steal. Yet, it was not good enough to win the weekly honors of the A.L. Player of the Week.

The award of A.L. Player of the Week goes to the Bronx Bombers' Mark Trumbo, who got used to circling the bases this week. Trumbo batted .346 (9-for-26), 4 HR, 8 RBI, while scoring 6 times.

The pitching was wide-open, James Shields for the Bombers settled down after giving up 4 ER's in the first two innings of his game, and then went on to pitch 8 scoreless innings into extras, to earn the victory, while pitching 14 K's & allowing 5 hits and 5 walks. Another pitcher who had a good week was Edwin Jackson of the Boston Bravos, even though he was more on the bad luck side-of-things, earning a loss & no decision; Jackson's week on the other hand was 13.2 innings, with only 3 ER's allowed, while earning 17 K's & 5 walks.

It was a tough call, but this week the A.L. Pitcher of the Week award goes to the smooth, Andy Pettitte of the South Shore Fighting Imps. Pettitte got called up, and pitched 15 innings, allowing 12 hits & 4 ER's (1.98 ERA for the week), with 16 K's & 5 BB's -- earning his first win this week as well.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• OF- Shin-Soo Choo (S.S.) - .435 (10-for-23), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 runs & SB.
• OF-B.J. Upton (CAR) - .333 (7-for-21), Grand Slam, 6 RBI, 4 runs.
• OF-Matt Holliday (S.S.) - .381 (8-for-21), 2 HR, 5 RBI & 5 runs.
• OF-David Wright (S.S.) - .368 (7-for-19), 4 RBI, 3 runs & SB.
• SP-Wandy Rodriguez (BUF) - W, 8.1 IP, 4 H, ER, 10 K/3 BB.
• SP-Johnny Cueto (BOS) - W, 8 IP, 5 H, no runs, 6 K/2 BB.
• SP-Edwin Jackson (BOS) - 13.2 IP, L, 15 H, 3 ER (1.98 ERA), 17 K & 3 BB.
• C-Joe Mauer (S.S.) - .429 (6-for-14), 3 RBI, 4 runs.
• SP-Zack Greinke (WAS) - Heating up (6 consecutive wins), W, 8 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 K & 3 BB -- He has now improved to 6-2, 4.05 ERA.
• C-Ryan Doumit (CAR) - .438 (7-for-16), 2 HR, 7 RBI, 3 runs.
• SP-R.A. Dickey (BOS) - W, 8 IP, 3 H, no runs, 9 K/2 BB -- improved to 3-4, 2.94 ERA.
• SP-Jordan Zimmermann (BUF) - Has been on bad-luck side of things all season, his current 1-5 record does not reflect his 2.73 ERA. Zimmerman recorded another loss this week with a complete game, allowing only 3 hits & a run, while striking out 9 (walking two).
• 3B-Miguel Cabrera (BUF) - .500 (11-for-22), 2 RBI.
• OF-David Murphy (BRX) - Had a 5-hit performance in Game 1, batted .435 (10-for-23), with HR, 3 RBI & 3 runs.
• SP-Jered Weaver (CAR) - W, 8.1 IP, 3 H, no runs, 6 K/3 BB.
• SP-Adam Wainwright (BRX) - ND, 10 IP, 5 H, ER, 10 K/2 BB.
• SP-Kris Medlen (CHI) - 9 IP, 5 H, ER, 8 K's.
• SP-Drew Smyly (CHI) - W, 8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 13 K's & 2 BB.

Justin-Credible!

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(WEEK 6 - Award Winners)

Let's just jump right into it, Justin Verlander becomes the first player in the history of the Boys of Summer Online APBA Baseball League to pitch a no-hitter. It happened this week against the Bronx Bombers during Game #4 of their six-game series.

Verlander's stats are not his usual, with only 4 K's while allowing 4 walks, the Bombers helped by hitting into five double-plays to minimize any possible damage. The Bombers even had a guy on second at one point, when Daniel Nava stole second base.

We are not going to deny Verlander for a shot at the weekly award for his lack of K's, it's a no-hitter, enough said! Something tells me that will not be the last one we will see from "J.V." He is this week's American League Pitcher of the Week.

The Fairgrove Tigers' Paul Goldschmidt stood out for the hitters this week, he batted .455 (10-for-22), with 3 HR's, 8 RBI, while scoring six times -- helping his team defeat the Boston Bravos, 4 games-to-2. He is this week's American League Player of the Week.

Honorable Mention:

• SP-Doug Fister (S.S.) - W, 2 GS, 13.1 IP, 12 H, 3 ER's, striking out 13 (allowing no walks) -- improving his record to 3-1, 3.12 ERA after slow start.
• SP-Jake Peavy (S.S.) - 9.2 IP in CG victory, 4 H, 2 ER with 13 K/0 BB (improves to 4-3, 2.65).
• SP-Zack Greinke (WAS) - In any other week, this may have gone to Greinke -- 2 Wins (1 SHO), 15.2 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 13 K/2 BB, 0.58 ERA! Records 5th win of season.
• SS-Hanley Ramirez (BRX) - .318 (7-for-22), 3 HR, 4 RBI & 6 runs.
• C-Joe Mauer (S.S.) - .389 (7-for-18), HR, 3 RBI & 2 runs.
• 1B/DH-Paul Konerko (WAS) - .318 (7-for-22), 3 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP-Kris Medlen (CHI) - W (SHO), 4 H, 8 K/2 BB's.
• SP-Mat Latos (FAIR) - W, CG, ER, 10 K/1 BB -- improves to 4-1, 1.07 ERA.
• SP-Madison Bumgarner (FAIR) - W (SHO), 4 H, 10 K/5 BB -- Leads A.L. with 6 wins, has 1.70 ERA for the season. May be the most consistent pitcher in A.L., and is present in all pitching categories.
• OF-Andre Ethier (FAIR) - .346 (9-for-26), 2 RBI & 6 runs.
• 2B-Dustin Pedroia (CAR) - .273 (6-for-22), 3 HR, 3 RBI & 4 runs.

Gonzo Delivers

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(WEEK 5 - Award Winners)

Although his team lost their series 3-2 to Chicago, Adrian Gonzalez (of the Buffalo Yankees)'s stats were too difficult to ignore. Gonzalez is this week's A.L. Player of the Week; Gonzalez batted .421 (8-for-19), 3 HR's, 10 RBI & 4 runs. Gonzalez is the second Yankee to receive the weekly award.

Last week's A.L. Player of the Week award winner, Carlos Beltran had another productive week for the Washington Filibusters, batting .421 (8-for-19), scoring 4 runs, including 2 solo HR's accounting for his 2 RBI -- his two addition homers makes his total a whopping 12 HR's in 27 games. Beltran is not the only Filibuster player to have big weeks, other nominations include Brandon Phillips, Paul Konerko & Kyle Lohse (for pitcher).

"King" Felix Hernandez helped the Chicago Nine take Buffalo in the series, pitching a two-hit complete-game victory, allowing only one run, while striking out 9 batters & walking two -- improving to 4-2 for the young season; Earning Hernandez the A.L. Pitcher of the Week honors.

A.L. Honorable Mentions:

• 2B-Brandon Phillips (WAS) - .500 (8-for-16), 3 HR, 3 RBI, 4 runs.
• SP-Matt Cain (CAR) - 9 IP, 3 H, ER, 8 K/2 BB, improves to 4-0.
• 1B-Paul Konerko (WAS) - .300 (6-for-20), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 4 runs.
• SP-Madison Bumgarner (FAIR) - Seems to be a weekly staple in the 'Honorable Mention' area, pitches 7 strong innings, allowing only two hits, run, with 8 K's & 2 BB's. Picks up win #5!
• SP-Kyle Lohse (WAS) - 9 IP, 3-hit SHO, with 4 K's & 2 BB's.
• 2B-Dustin Pedroia (CAR) - .353 (6-for-17), HR, 5 RBI, 3 runs, SB.
• SP-Jordan Zimmermann (BUF) - 9 IP (W), 4 H, 2 ER, 7 K & 2 BB.
• SP-Jeff Samardzija (CHI) - 8 IP (W), 3 H, ER (2 runs), with 11 K's & 2 BB's.

A Bird? A Plane?! No, It's Beltran!

AMERICAN LEAGUE

(WEEK 4 - Award Winners)

Carlos Beltran was everywhere this week for the Washington Filibusters, batting .375 (6-for-16), with 9 RBI's and 6 runs scored -- to top it off, he smacked a series record 5 HR's (one being a Grand Slam)! So with no surprise, and a offensive onslaught such as this week's performance, Carlos Beltran was the easy choice for A.L. Player of the Week. Beltran's numbers through the first four weeks, now stand at, .299 batting average, 10 HR's & 21 RBI in 22 BoS games.

Beltran's performance also helped the Washington Filibusters win their series over the Bronx Bombers, 4 games to 1 -- evening their record now at 11-11.

On the pitching side of things, the field was wide open, but one slightly stood out. R.A. Dickey of the Boston Bravos delivered 13 K's against the South Shore Fighting Imps; Even though Dickey's performance came in the form of a losing effort, it was a solid performance of 2 ER's allowed in 8 innings (lowering his ERA to 3.21). Dickey is this week's A.L. Pitcher of the Week.

A.L. Honorable Mentions:

• 2B-Robinson Cano (BRX) - .381 (8-for-21), 3 HR, 5 RBI & 4 runs.
• SS-Ian Desmond (WAS) - .333 (6-for-18), 2 HR, 7 RBI & 5 runs.
• SP-Madison Bumgarner (FAIR) - Reached his 4th win with teammate Ryan Vogelsong this week. Bumgarner: 7 IP, 5 H, no ER (1 R), 7 K's & no walks.
• OF-Melky Cabrera (S.S.) - .333 (7-for-21), HR, 6 RBI & 2 runs.
• 2B/OF/SS or (wherever you need him) - Ben Zobrist (S.S.) - .368 (7-for-19), 2 HR, 2 RBI & 6 runs.
• OF-Adam Jones (FAIR) - .450 (9-for-20), HR, 5 RBI, 5 runs & 3 stolen bases.
• SP-Tommy Millone (S.S.) - 8.2 IP, 4 H, ER, 6 K & 4 BB's.

Buffalo Soldier

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(WEEK 3 - Award Winners)

Plenty of nominations for this week's awards. Carolina's starting pitching always seems to be in the hunt, though Justin Verlander falls short for this week's honorable mention even, with his 8 inning, 2 ER's & 7 hits allowed performance of 9 strikeouts, it should be noted that Verlander (2-2) has now racked up 34 K's in only 4 starts, with a 1.06 ERA. There seems to be a lot of great pitching going on actually, so good that J.V. has been left out.

C.C. Sabathia (Week 1's winner, Bronx) stacked up 22 K's in two losses, he misses out as well.

The competition was tough among the hitters as well, but in the end the choice for A.L. Player of the Week ended up going to Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera's average was not the highest among the candidates (.333, 9-for-27), but his 3 HR's, 7 RBI & 6 runs, which helped the Buffalo Yankees come up with a split with Washington.

The Fairgrove Tigers had a couple guys that gave it a good run with Adam Jones & David Freese.

Despite the fact that he recorded two no-decisions in his two outings this week, his effort & performance was too difficult to ignore; This week's A.L. Pitcher of the Week goes to Jeff Samardzija of the Chicago Nine. Samardzija pitched 14.2 innings, while striking out 20, allowing only 8 hits, 5 BB's & 2 ER's in the process -- 1.23 ERA & 0.886 WHIP.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• SP-Jered Weaver (CAR) - Two-hit shutout victory, 7 K's & 4 BB's (lowering ERA to 2.96).
• RP-Fernando Rodney (S.S.) - 3 Saves, 6 K's & 0 BB's in 3 IP.
• SP-Ryan Vogelsong (FAIR) - 14 IP, 2 ER, 9 K & 5 BB (1.29 ERA)
• SP-Jake Peavy (S.S.) - 8 IP, 3 H, no ER, 1 run allowed -- 10 K's/2 BB's (lowers ERA to 2.43).
• OF-Adam Jones (FAIR) - .440 AVG (11-for-25), HR, 4 RBI & 4 runs, 2 SB's.
• 3B-David Freese (FAIR) - .346 AVG (9-for-26), HR, 6 RBI & 2 runs.
• SP-Jordan Zimmerman (BUF) - 9 IP, 2 H, 9 K's & 1 BB in no-decision.
• SS-Ian Desmond (WAS) - .458 AVG (11-for-24), HR, 7 RBI, 4 runs.
• SP-R.A. Dickey (BOS) - W, 15 IP, 10 H, 3 ER, 18 K's & 5 BB's -- 1.80 ERA for the week.
• SS-Alexei Ramirez (BOS) - .444 (8-for-18), HR, 4 RBI & 5 runs.

Diamond in the Rough

AMERICAN LEAGUE
(WEEK 2 - Award Winners)

There was many good pitching performances in both leagues for Week 2, but a three-hit shutout by the South Shore Fighting Imps' Scott Diamond against the Washington Filibusters could not be ignored. This week's A.L. Pitcher of the Week goes to Diamond -- He improves his record to 2-0, with a 1.13 ERA. He also had 7 K's, while allowing no walks.

Diamond's teammate Joe Mauer had another strong week -- batting .421 (8-for-19), with 2 HR's, 6 RBI & 6 runs, but it still was not good enough for Mauer to win it (So instead Mauer snuck into Diamond's picture on the right!). We leaned towards the Boston Bravos' Shane Victorino for similar stats of .400 (8-for-20), 2 HR, 3 RBI, 6 runs & 3 stolen bases, while the Bravos won their series 4-1 over their division rival Bronx Bombers. So congrats to Shane Victorino for A.L. Player of the Week.


The Carolina Panthers' Justin Verlander improves to 2-1, with his 3rd CG in 3 starts, allowing no ER's, 2 runs & 5 hits against the Buffalo Yankees. Verlander has 25 K's in 27 innings, so far.

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• SP-Jeff Samardzija (CHI) - Shutout & Win, 12 K's/3 BB's (lowers ERA to 2.35).
• C-Joe Mauer (S.S.) - .421 (8-for-19), 2 HR, 6 RBI & 6 runs.
• SP-Madison Bumgarner (FAIR) - 3rd win, 8 IP, 2 ER, 9 K's (lowers ERA to 1.96).
• SP-Justin Verlander (CAR) - 2-1, with a 0.69 ERA for the season, striking out 6, walking one & allowing 5 hits.
• 3B-Aramis Ramirez (WAS) - .353 (6-for-17), 8 RBI & 2 runs.

• SP-Dan Haren (BOS) - 8 shutout innings, 5 K/1 BB & 4 hits allowed.

V for Vendetta

AMERICAN LEAGUE

You think Joey Votto (of the South Shore Fighting Imps) may have been a little steamed at the Chicago Nine for trading him? Votto seeked vengeance by hitting .458 (11-for-24), 3 HR, 11 RBI with an OPS of 1.477 -- in fact, he hit 7 RBI, going 4-for-5 in the Imps 20-5 victory over the Nine during the 6th & final game of the series.

Votto was involved in the league's only trade to date, in which the Chicago sent Votto & Brad Lincoln to South Shore in exchange for P-Kris Medlen, 1B/OF-Nick Swisher & OF-Dexter Fowler.

His performance earned him Week #1's American League Player of the Week Award.

The A.L. Pitcher of the Week was close between the Bronx Bombers' C.C. Sabathia and the Carolina Eagles' Justin Verlander. Although Verlander racked up 19 K's (allowing only 3 BB's) in his two outings against Boston (going 1-1), the award ends up going to Sabathia for his complete game shutout to earn the Game 2 win against the Buffalo Yankees, he also came into the series finale as a reliever, pitching 2 1/3 more innings of shutout ball & earning the victory. In total he went 2-0, 0.00 ERA in 11 1/3 innings, plus 16 strikeouts (allowing only 3 walks).

A.L. Honorable Mention:

• SS/3B-Hanley Ramirez (Bronx) - .571, 16 hits, HR, 2 RBI (1.336 OPS).
• OF-Ichiro Suzuki (Boston) - .308 (8-for-26), HR, 3 RBI & 4-for-4 in steals.
• SP-Madison Bumgarner (Fairgrove) - 2-0, 1.80 ERA, 17 K & 2 BB (15 IP).
• C/1B-Joe Mauer (South Shore) - .480 (12-for-25), 7 RBI.
• SP- Justin Verlander (Carolina) - 1-1, 1.06 ERA, 2 CG, 19 K & 3 BB.